At the Heart of Alchemy

At the Heart of Alchemy

By Sherika Tenaya Much of this blog series has been based off the work of Mandy Aftel in her groundbreaking book Essence & Alchemy, and this b...

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Scent & Sensuality: Stories, Myths & Legends of Scent through the Ages

Scent & Sensuality: Stories, Myths & Legends of Scent through the Ages

Across the world, scent is used as the tinder to fan the fire of desire. “In the highlands of New Guinea,” Aftel writes, “shamans say incantations over ginger leaves, which are thought to lend allure to the man who rubs them on his face and body. In the Amazon, Yanomamo men carry sachets of fragrant powders that are supposed to make attractive women tumble into their arms.”

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